Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Species:
unguis-cati
ID:
179100

Status:
valid

Authors:
(L.) Benth.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1844

Citation Micro:
London J. Bot.3: 200 (1844)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000178429



Common Names

  • Cat's Claw
  • Catclaw
  • Wait-a-minute Tree


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Synonyms

  • Pithecellobium flavovirens Britton [valid]
  • Pithecellobium guaricense Pittier [valid]
  • Pithecellobium microchlamys Pittier [valid]
  • Pithecellobium saxosum Standl. & Steyerm. [valid]
  • Pithecellobium microphyllum (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Benth. [valid]
  • Pithecellobium guadalupense (Pers.) Chapm. [valid]
  • Zygia guadalupensis (Pers.) A.Heller [valid]
  • Pithecellobium paniculatum Pittier [valid]
  • Pithecellobium pulchellum Pittier [valid]
  • Mimosa unguis-cati L. [valid]
  • Zygia unguis-cati (L.) Sudw. [valid]
  • Mimosa guadalupensis Pers. [valid]
  • Pithecellobium seleri Harms [valid]
  • Spiroloba unguis Raf. [valid]
  • Inga felina Stokes [valid]
  • Inga guadalupensis (Pers.) Desv. [valid]
  • Feuilleea unguis-cati (L.) Kuntze [valid]
  • Inga microphylla Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd. [valid]
  • Inga unguis-cati (L.) Willd. [valid]
  • Pithecellobium guadalupense (Pers.) Chapm. [deprecated]
  • Feuilleea unguis-cati latifolia Kuntze [valid]
  • Mimosa microphylla Poir. [illegitimate]

Description

Pithecellobium unguis-cati (also called Cat's Claw, among many other common names) is a small shrub that grows up to 3 m in height. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world and is found in moist, open habitats such as riverbanks, wetlands, and disturbed areas.

Uses & Benefits

Pithecellobium unguis-cati is used as a food source for livestock, as a green manure crop, and as a soil improver. Its leaves can be used as a tea substitute and as a medicinal plant.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Flower of Pithecellobium unguis-cati is yellow with 5 petals. The seed is small and round. The seedlings are thin and long.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Pithecellobium unguis-cati is a perennial shrub that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C (14°F). It can be grown in containers or in the ground. It should be watered regularly and fertilized every few months.

Where to Find Pithecellobium unguis-cati

Pithecellobium unguis-cati is native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. It can be found in open woods, thickets, and roadsides.

Pithecellobium unguis-cati FAQ

What is the scientific name of Pithecellobium unguis-cati?

Pithecellobium unguis-cati

What is the common name of Pithecellobium unguis-cati?

Cat's Claw

What is the natural habitat of Pithecellobium unguis-cati?

It is found in tropical and subtropical forests

Species in the Pithecellobium genus

Pithecellobium bahamense, Pithecellobium circinale, Pithecellobium cordifolium, Pithecellobium diversifolium, Pithecellobium furcatum, Pithecellobium macrandrium, Pithecellobium peckii, Pithecellobium striolatum, Pithecellobium velutinum, Pithecellobium excelsum, Pithecellobium hymeneaefolium, Pithecellobium hystrix, Pithecellobium domingense, Pithecellobium nicoyanum, Pithecellobium dulce, Pithecellobium unguis-cati, Pithecellobium oblongum, Pithecellobium lanceolatum, Pithecellobium winzerlingii, Pithecellobium johansenii, Pithecellobium keyense, Pithecellobium bipinnatum, Pithecellobium cynodonticum, Pithecellobium histrix, Pithecellobium bahamense, Pithecellobium cochliacarpum, Pithecellobium subglobosum, Pithecellobium nicoyanum, Pithecellobium obliquifoliolatum, Pithecellobium keyense, Pithecellobium roseum, Pithecellobium hymenaeifolium,

Species in the Fabaceae family

References

Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.
George Bentham (1800-1884): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Benth.' in the authors string.